Protective effects of celery (Apium Graveolens) on testis and cauda epididymal spermatozoa in rat

Infertility is one of the health problems that will have a negative impact on the individual, social and economic and is seen in 10-15% of couples (1). About 40 % of the issues involved with infertility are due to the man. Male sperm cells count nowadays has decreased dramatically in comparison with those who lived 50 years ago (2). Causes of infertility in men are included: oligozoospermia, immaturity of sperm, sperm deformity, and sperm non-motility. Spermatogenesis takes place within the testes under control of testosterone secreted by the testes and secretory activity of the testes controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicle axis. Due to adverse effects and side effects of chemical drugs today, the use of traditional medicine, especially herbal therapy is taken into consideration. In traditional medicine, it has been pointed to therapeutic properties of celery. Celery has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties (3). Also this plant is an appetite stimulant and sexual booster (4). Previous studies have shown that sperm cells are largely vulnerable to oxidative stress but celery is rich in antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids (apiin and apigenin), vitamins E and C that can reduce oxidative stress (5, 6). So, in the present study the protective effect of celery was investigated on the cauda epididymal spermatozoa and testis in rat.